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Codextroop Prompt Library

Task Prioritization

Prioritise a Brutal Backlog

AI Tool: ChatGPTCategory: Productivity

Rank a backlog with explicit trade-offs: impact, effort, risk, and what you will not do this week.

prioritizationbacklogproductivityfocus

The Prompt

Prioritise this backlog. Be willing to say no.

Items:
{{items}}
Capacity this week: {{capacity}}
Strategy / theme: {{theme}}
Hard deadlines: {{deadlines}}

Return:
1. Ranked list with a one-line reason each (impact × urgency × effort)
2. This week's committed set that fits {{capacity}}
3. Explicit won't-do list
4. Anything that looks like a fake priority (busywork, someone else's urgency)

If items lack enough detail to rank, ask up to 5 clarifying questions first — then rank the rest.

Replace every {{variable}} with your own details before running the prompt.

Variables to fill in

4 variables

{{items}}required
Tasks or tickets.
{{capacity}}required
Hours or points this week.
{{theme}}
Current strategy or OKR.
{{deadlines}}
Immovable dates.

Best for

  • PMs
  • Team leads
  • Solo operators